Colts to Meet with Ex-Raiders Safety Tyvon Branch

The Indianapolis Colts currently don’t have anything resembling a starting caliber safety signed to the roster. They clearly will have to address the issue in part through free agency.

Recent reports indicate they will bring in Tyvon Branch for a meeting. Branch was cut by the Raiders earlier today as the two sides could not workout a deal to restructure his contract.

Branch was drafted in 2008 and has had a productive career for the Raiders. Now, the Colts are scheduled to bring him in for a meeting.

The main issue with Branch revolves around durability. He hasn’t played a full season since 2011 and has played just five games over the past two years.

Branch suffered a “Jones fracture” (a broken bone on the fifth metatarsal of his foot) three games into this past season. He broke his ankle and fibula in Week Two of 2013.

While you never want an injury prone player, Branch’s injuries are not indicative of someone who is more likely to suffer continued mishap. Suffering two broken bones is different than multiple ACL tears or whatever Bob Sanders weekly mishap seemed to be.

The Colts need to find a long term option at safety in addition to addressing a number of other needs on the defense.

We’ve already discussed the prospect of the Colts bringing Branch to Indianapolis.

Its clear that the Colts are going to bring back Mike Adams to take one of the starting safety spots. Both parties have expressed mutual interest and a deal should be done fairly soon.

Branch would address a clear need and many don’t think he’ll be on the market for very long. The Colts are also waiting to talk with Devin McCourty who will be a free agent soon.

Even if the Colts manage to address the safety position completely through free agency, they should still consider drafting someone in order to shore up the team’s depth at the position.